By LINDA MOSS
moss@montclairlocal.news
Montclair has launched a collection drive to assist help those affected by Hurricane Maria, which has devastated Puerto Rico, the township said Wednesday.
Mayor Robert Jackson, the Township Council, the Montclair Police, Fire and Health departments, the Montclair Public Library, Bloomfield, Newark and Essex County of Essex are seeking donated items to send to the U.S. territory.
They are looking for diapers, baby food, flashlights and batteries, first aid supplies and feminine hygiene products.
The municipality only collecting those items. All donation items must be non-perishable, not second-hand, and not contained liquids of any kind.
A number of township residents have family members in Puerto Rico that they are concerned about, including at-Large Councilman Bob Russo.
The collection locations are: the township Municipal Building, 205 Claremont Ave.; police headquarters, 647 Bloomfield Ave.; the fire headquarters, 1 Pine St.; fire station No. 2, 588 Valley Road; fire station No. 3, 151 Harrison Ave.; the main branch of the te Montclair Public Library, 50 South Fullerton Ave.; and the Bellevue Avenue branch of the Montclair Public Library, 185 Bellevue Ave.
The drive will run through Thursday, Oct. 5, 3 p.m., at all locations.
Those with questions should contact Health Department Director Sue Portuese at 973-508-4970 or the Township Manager’s Office at 973-509-4926.